Are Men and Women Created Equal?

Opening Thoughts

Gender Equality has become “a god” to many people.

Nothing else matters to them except for equality of men and women. Even in Christianity, feminism has risen to a level where it is more interested in harming men then elevating women.

When equality of any kind becomes our god, we lose sight of the nuances and grace needed for special needs and circumstances.

The Bible never says that all people are created equal.

That is the Declaration of Independence- not the Bible

Equality, in the modern sense, is extremely individualistic

It is almost always rooted in “I” need to have the same things as “them”

It eliminates Christ from the equation. Instead of asking how I can be like Jesus it asks how can I be like them?

Scriptures Concerning Equality

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”

This has become the proof text for equality. However, the word or idea of equality is not present in this verse.

The idea Paul presents is oneness- or interconnectedness. That we need to remember how we need one another and how our treatment of one another effects that.

Paul also advocates that the oneness he is speaking of is based on ONENESS IN CHRIST.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14 “13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness; your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness”

Paul is keenly aware of the economic differences of people. He does not ignore them, but calls for Christians to be fair in their treatment of all people and allow their power to be used for the benefit of others.

Colossians 4:1 “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

Paul does not call for an abolishing of the social systems that separate, but to operate within them with Christian values.

Biblical equality is based on justice and fairness; not sameness.

All people are Spiritually Equal

Both men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)

Both men and women are guilty of sin (Romans 3:23)

Both men and women were ransomed by Jesus Christ (John 3:16)

Both men and women are heirs in the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7)

Both men and women have indispensable roles in ministry (1 Cor 11:11-12)

Not all people are physically/emotionally/intellectually equal

Some of this inequality is because gender by the plan of God

Some of this inequality is because of DNA/Biology by the plan of God

Some of this inequality is because of sin and its effects on the world

Unequal does not mean inferiority

Just because there are inequalities does not mean that our value is different. We are all equal in value in the Kingdom of God

Romans 15:1 “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

We all have giftings and abilities